
The Emperor and the Professor of New Orleans Music: Ernie K-Doe & Professor Longhair
This week we recall two grand figures of New Orleans music. First, Ernie K-Doe, the surreal soul man known for his catchy songs, and flamboyant antics in New Orleans R&B, from his hit “Mother-in-Law” to serving as host and main attraction of his and wife Antoinette’s Mother-in-Law Lounge. Then a piano tribute to Professor Longhair by Dr. John, Jon Cleary and George Porter, live from the legendary New Orleans club Tipitina’s, named after Longhair’s most famous song. We also play the original recordings with commentary from Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Jerry Wexler, and Cosimo Matassa

Singing of Deltas and Bayous: Iris DeMent and Lost Bayou Ramblers
Singer-songwriter Iris DeMent returns to the landscape and soundscape of her youth, the Arkansas Delta. We'll speak with Iris about her musical homecoming, and listen in on an exclusive solo piano performance of her most recent songs. Then we catch up with the Lafayette punk and rockabilly-inflected Cajun band, the Lost Bayou Ramblers, fronted by brothers Andre and Louis Michot, who can count Gordon Gano (of the Violent Femmes) as a collaborator and fan.